Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

I try too hard sometimes. I am reading Swami Vivekananda’s dialogue on karma yoga and in particular about the role of the householder.

It’s quite easy really, isn’t it? Live life with integrity, do not seek the fruits of labour, know everything belongs to Isvara, and just accept whatever karma gives. Simple, really.

Daniel: Hi, Justin. Yes, it seems as if you overanalyze at times. Sometimes investigation alone just ain’t enough to carry us over the rapids of hardwired ignorance. Faith and bhakti are key ingredients.

All that you say is true. It’s quite simple, but it ain’t that simple to apply.

Justin: Does this work for an analogy? I like to see things in nuts-and-bolts terms, getting away from religious nomenclature.

Could we view Isvara as the engineered machine, where dharma is the philosophy of how this machine operates, and karma the modus operandi?

Daniel: I see why Isvara made you jiva an engineer, Justin. ☺

Firstly, Vedanta has zero to do with religion – but I get what you’re getting away from.

Just as a bonus: the word “religion” comes from the Latin word ligare, “to bind.” So when clearly understood, religion is nothing more than a pointer to how everything fits together.

Yes, Isvara is nothing more than a self-equilibrated machine. There’s actually no such thing as dharma and adharma for Isvara (aka “the machine”), because Isvara sees everything only as Isvara.

There are a few definitions of the word “dharma,” but to keep it simple, dharma is “following natural order.” If we were to apply this to humans, then it’s the foundation that guides the jiva to act naturally and in harmony with this “machine.”

Yes, karma (cycle of action) can be seen as the modus operandi.

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us